Strawberry & Asparagus Freekeh

Move over, potato salad and coleslaw — strawberry salad is coming through! Make room at the picnic table for Grilled Strawberry Freekeh Salad with Asparagus any weekend! This strawberry salad is filled with flavor and nutrients!

The grill is on, right? It’s time to throw asparagus on–a no-brainer–AND skewered strawberries (trust me) to make this simple side salad that will elevate your typical picnic fare.

I’m adding strawberries to ALL of my grain-based salads these days. This salad requires a tiny bit of grilling for the strawberries-just to soften and release some of the juices as it adds to the flavor of the salad. This particular salad uses the ancient grain Freekah, which is actually a process which means “to rub”. It’s a high protein, high fiber whole grain that works well with many flavors.

The ingredients in this salad make for a well balanced, healthy, nutrient-rich recipe. The real beauty is that different grains can be substituted as can different nuts and even veggies. The one thing you DON’T want to change are the strawberries! Why?

Strawberries are a nutritional powerhouse:

Strawberries are naturally sweet but low in sugar (only 7 grams per cup), and provide a unique combination of essential nutrients, dietary fiber and health-promoting phytochemicals.

One serving of eight medium strawberries is only 45 calories.

CA strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C: More vitamin C per serving than an orange and 110% of the daily value.

While the grill is preheating, cook Freekeh according to package directions.

Clean, wash and dry asparagus stems. Place asparagus, olive oil, salt and pepper in a plastic bag. Shake gently to coat the asparagus. Place on grill and allow to cook for 15 minutes or until desired tenderness is achieved.

While asparagus is cooking, clean and dry whole strawberries (leaving stems intact) and thread onto skewers. Place on grill for about 2-3 minutes or until the strawberries are just soft. Remove from skewers; remove the stems and cut into halves or fourths.

When asparagus is cooked, remove from grill and allow to cool. Chop into 1-inch pieces.

In a large bowl, gently toss ¾ cup of the cooked Freekeh, strawberries, asparagus and walnuts. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top with freshly grated or shaved Parmesan.

Fresh strawberries are my favorite. I get so excited when they are in season because I know all the varied recipes that I will be making for my family to enjoy! Your Grilled Strawberry and Asparagus Freekeh Salad sounds delicious and I will be adding this to my shopping list so I can whip this deliciousness up for an upcoming lunch party I’m having. Thanks for the giveaway chance. #StrawberrySummer

Strawberries have to be my favorite summer fruit. I live in the country, and love to visit a local you-pick fruit farm to pick strawberries and make jam. One of my favorite summer activities! Thanks for the giveaway, too. I love Crate & Barrel! I’d have no problem shopping there! 🙂 Thanks for the chance! #StrawberrySummer

I love strawberries, my favorite fruit! I have never heard of Freekeh before. Strawberry shortcake has to be one of my favorite summer desserts! You have a recipe for Strawberry pie that I want to try! Thank you for sharing!

Love the idea for this salad ! Strawberries in salad makes salad more delicious!! Also thanks for the opportunity for this crate and barrel gift card! I love that store but everything is too expensive for me right now lol! 🙂

I’ve never tried Freekeh but this sounds so amazing esp for the summer, will give it a try this weekend for family gathering and let you know how it was!!
Also thanks for the amazing giveaway I have entered!! *wish me luck* lol 😀 !

I love to try new foods and I’ve never had Frekkeh. I do love strawberries. My favorite recipe is for a strawberries and cream cake that I then use in place of shortcake with fresh macerated strawberries and homemade whipped cream.